I became interested in my family genalogy in 1998 and attended my first reenactment in 1998 at the Battle of Aiken. I had just found out that my Great-Great-Great Grandfather had fought in Company I, 17th SC,

I joined Ferguson's artillery and attended various small and local events from 1999-2001. In late 2002, I met some guys from the Palmetto Living History Association and attended the 140th Anniversary of the Battle of Perryville, helping the horse drawn artillery. I knew there was a better and more accurate way to represent the ACW soldier. I alos became a memebr of the Authentic Campaigner forum.

The AC forum is a great froum if you want to learn about the "PEC" version of wither side, PEC is Period, Everyday and Correct. There was no reall emphasis on specific units, the focus was more on events and devloping impression that could be generic to any campaigner reenactment, however; most people in the campaigner/progressive/hardcore (c/p/h) side were still buying new uniforms every year or spending big bucks on specialty equipment.

I wanted to represent a South Carolina unit, but I didn't want the members going broke to buying new gear every six months. I want to develop a "PEC" impression for the Evan's Brigade. We could still represent a variety of units within the Brigade and follow their path during the Sesquicentennial.

Most reenactment units will deteriorate after time. The founding member will leave, newer people will change the mission, people get burned out from representing the same unit over time. For this reason, I am placing an expiration on this Mess. After 2015 and Appomattox, we will disband like the Veterans did. The Brigade will have served it's purpose.

Unlike most "mainstream" units, the TBM is purely military, we do not allow women and children in our camp. We are a marching and fighting unit. We only allow the equipment and supplies that have been documented to have accompanied the Evan's Brigade and we are looking for a quality experience where other South Carolina types can fall in. We will have uniform standards, but rest assured, there will be no microscope inspections or degrading of people. We want men (that's right men) to feel welcomed to our brotherhood, In the the future there could be a "citizens" branch, but our main focus is on the military. We also welcome any civilian unit that can support the Evans's brigade in a proper fashion.

I don't really have much to say about myself, I can't compare to those heroes of the War between The Sates. Sometimes this hobby becomes too self-absorbed, as long as we keep the focus on the memory of the Veterans, we should not go wrong.

Sincerely,

Gregory A. Deese

Greg,

Were you at TAG back in '03? I seem to remember a fella from SC that looks like you in Smotherman's company. I'm horrible at names and faces though.

Will MacDonald
WIG

yep that was me, must have done 7 events that year, I was all over the place.

Greg Deese

Mr. Deese,

As a CS descendant and manic CS history buff I am impressed with the things y'all are doing in SC/Tramp Brigade...keep up the great work !!!

We are planning to come up for Moultrie (as taters) to check it out.

Chris Rideout
Tampa, Florida